Alexander’s Steakhouse, Cupertino’s beloved high-end chop shop, recently moved down the street from its prior location outside Vallco Mall to the new Main Street Cupertino complex. Though the new restaurant is smaller, the grand opening showed an aesthetic upgrade of both its interior and exterior.

In contrast to its previous stand-alone location, the new space is sandwiched between other restaurants, which seems a fair trade for taller ceilings and large windows that bathe the dining areas in natural light. I found the old location to be very dim anyway. The new design takes notes from its sister restaurant, The Sea by Alexander’s Steakhouse, and showcases an open kitchen and a bar featuring top-shelf spirits. Upon entry, it is apparent that the brand is shedding its old school grandeur for modern luxury.

During the recent preview reception, I noshed on passed hors d’oeuvres like foie gras lollipops coated in a strawberry rhubarb glaze. Served chilled and standing in a bed of rock salt, the morsels melted into a swirl of rich, savory, and sweet in my mouth. After a seated meal of beef sliders and Jamon Iberico with tomato relish on crostini, we sipped on glasses of Prosecco. We were feeling uber fancy until out came a server with a plate of lamb chops so divine in their smoky flavor and sweet glaze that all manners were tossed out the window as we dined with our hands, stripping every last bit of meat with the cilantro sauce off the bone. Alexander’s still knows how to handle its red meat.

Past the window display of aging beef on drying racks and samples of the different cuts, we migrated to the bar. I recall this same display at the entrance of the old location, but it was more impressive this time thanks to the brighter lights and taller glass case. Bartenders were concocting Alexander’s original cocktails like the Bruce Lee-Chee, a vodka drink with lychee foam, and the New Fashion, a play on the classic Old Fashioned made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon. We scarfed down toast squares with Alexander’s private label caviar and grabbed our drinks for a self-guided tour of the private banquet rooms. A portion of the open kitchen blended into an in-house patisserie, a new addition from their previous setup.

Alexander’s has taken the move as an opportunity to reinvent their brand for the better. From the looks of this preview dinner, the work has already paid off.

Alexander’s Steakhouse
19379 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino.
408.446.2222
$$$$